MINNEAPOLIS — Highlighted by exciting wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State, Illinois went into Monday night with a three-game winning streak. Looking to keep the streak alive, the Illini did just that, and in dominant fashion.
After a competitive first half, Illinois used a Matthew Mayer-led attack and stellar defense en route to a 78-60 win against Minnesota at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Coming into the game as 9.5-point favorites, the Illini (13-5, 4-3 Big Ten) were unable to separate themselves early on from the Gophers. Mayer’s 10 points led all scorers at the half, but Illinois barely clung to a 35-32 lead.